Potential Energy Crisis in Austin?

Austin American Statesman Marty Toohey reports on Austin Energy’s green proposal in “Energy plan would put Austin among nation's greenest cities, but comes at a cost”. Next month the Austin City Council will vote on a proposal from Austin Energy to radically increase Austin's reliance on renewable energy. This initiative would make Austin become one of the greenest cities in the United States, but at a cost. Austin Energy estimates this proposal will increase energy bills by 20 percent over the next ten years.
Currently Austin receives the majority of its energy from a coal plant in Fayette County. Scientist reporting burning coal contributes to global warning and the Federal Government’s future plans to limit or tax carbon, both serve as catalyst to change our energy system. Right now only 11 percent of Austin’s energy comes from a renewable source. Austin Energy wants to increase Austin’s renewable energy usage to 35 percent by 2020. Although there were more affordable less dramatic proposals they did not get the same attention. Despite the proposal, Austin Energy officials report they will most likely have to increase rates anyway by 2012. A coalition of businesses and advocates for the poor say energy prices could rise up to 60 percent by the year 2020. Next Monday there is a forum held for the public to discuss this issue. Never the less this is an important issue that will affect all Austin citizens over the next decade. Please read the article attached above.